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SDSI to foster growth for emerging brands during ASR

ByJuly 26, 2010 7:02 AM

Press Release:

ASR partners with SDSI to help facilitate support for emerging action sport and active lifestyle brands at SDSI investment forum and networking event.

San Juan Capistrano, CA (July 23, 2010) – When over 750 brands converge in San Diego, CA for ASR Marketplace this August 13th-15th, business opportunities will go beyond the show’s retail sales and media placements; and into the investment community. On August 12, 2010, CONNECT San Diego Sport Innovators (SDSI) will hold a Capital Forum to provide a private setting for angel and private investors to review presentations from seven investment-ready action sport and active lifestyle start-ups from southern California.

“For decades, the investment community has attended ASR to feel the pulse of the industry,” says Andy Tompkins, VP of ASR. “As more companies went public, ASR provided the perfect platform for analysts to see trends and how various brands were positioning themselves in the market. SDSI’s Capital Forum will take that further; directing energy toward up-and-coming brands as they look for the best avenues and partners for future growth.”

“San Diego is not only a vibrant action sport and active lifestyle community, but also a thriving environment for business,” says Bill Walton NBA Hall of Famer and SDSI executive chairmen, “SDSI’s goal is to act as a catalyst by connecting innovative sports minded entrepreneurs and start-ups in the Southern California region with mentoring, education, networking, technology and most importantly access to capital.”

SDSI Capital Forum presenting companies include: AttaGirl!, Celtek, Clarinova, Cleatskins, DO or DIE, Prunolo and Seshday.com. All start-ups are investment ready and have been selected by industry experts through an extensive screening process. SDSI, managed by CONNECT, capitalizes on the nationally renowned mentoring process developed by CONNECT and recently recognized by Inc. Magazine.

Following the Capital Forum, SDSI and ASR present Connect with SDSI, the organization’s premier networking event featuring exhibits by some of the most innovative action sport and active lifestyle companies in the region. The event is open to industry executives, capital providers, individual investors, entrepreneurs, innovators and professional service providers specializing in the sport industry. This is opportunity to check out cool tech gear and demos, get connected with key industry players and pick up on trends that are driving customer acceptance in diverse segments of the action sports industry.

Connect with SDSI will be held at the Candy Factory Warehouse in PETCO Park. All attendees will receive complimentary tickets to see the San Diego Padres play the Pittsburgh Pirates. All are welcome to this one-stop introduction to the SDSI organization and the action sport & active lifestyle business opportunities in San Diego.

Register here (http://sdsi.hookit.com/members/sdsi/connectwithconnectsdsi/) for Connect with SDSI. For more information on SDSI and its upcoming events contact Garrett Hale at Ghale@connect.org or 858.964.1314. Learn more about attending ASR Marketplace as an exhibitor, retailer or media at ASRBiz.com.

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About ASR:

ASR, produced by Nielsen Expositions, is a full service tradeshow company whose goal is to create market and produce high quality trade shows and educational conferences. ASR is the leading action sports industry trade event, bringing together top manufacturers, retailers, industry advocates and media to conduct the business of surf, skate, snow, swim, style, moto and youth culture. Now in its 29th successful year, ASR gathers over 800 action sports brands and approximately 6,000 retail buyers and decision makers two times a year, with spring and summer/fall season shows in San Diego. For additional information regarding ASR, check out ASRbiz.com.

About CONNECT San Diego Sport Innovators (SDSI):

CONNECT SDSI is a business accelerator that connects and drives the growth of San Diego's vibrant sports economy by offering innovative programs and services for sport minded start-ups & entrepreneurs, mature companies, and service providers. Building on CONNECT's world-renown success accelerating innovation in San Diego over the past 25 years, CONNECT SDSI offers mentoring, education and capital funding opportunities for start-ups; best practice collaboration, access to new technology, and public policy advocacy for mature companies; as well as deal flow to our service providers and the San Diego Investment Community. Check out www.SDSportInnovators.com for more information about CONNECT SDSI.